Welcome to THE BOOK CORNER. Sit down, rest and learn about some of our favorite decorating books.

Decorating Dreams on a Budget by Emilie Barnes & Yoli Brogger

This pocket sized paperback is filled with wonderful ideas to make your home beautiful. It is packed with innovative ideas and affordable suggestions to help you. From artistic treatments for windows and walls to redecorating your living room or kitchen, Emilie & Yoli can help you create a warm, cozy home for your family and friends.. AND stick to your budget! Here are some of their ideas for thinking "outside of the box"!

• Use a lingerie chest to store tapes and CD's
• A cracked pitcher or teapot can serve as a planter
• A glassed in bookcase can hold items in the bathroom
• A stepladder can display family photos

In this book you will also find Decorating Rules and how to break them, how to shop for treasures, and finding your rooms focus. There are also many helpful hints for windwow treatments, alternative coffee tables, and hanging artwork. These are all ideas that ANYONE can put to work in their own home.

Happy Reading and Redesigning!

Dilemma: HELP My life is so busy and full of activities. I don't have time to keep my home as nice as I'd like. Can you give me any tips that will make it easier to have a beautiful home, with minimal upkeep?

SOLUTION: Pick one room and do a visual inspection. Look around. What do you see? Is there too much furniture? Are the nick knacks taking on a life of their own? Do you have too many silk plants? While the room must be functional, allowing you to perform certain tasks or activities, you also want to keep it easy to take care of. The time it takes to straighten, clean, dust, etc. may be causing you un- needed frustration.

Try these few ideas to help you get things under control.

• Remove a few pieces of furniture
• Take out all your accessoreis and only put 1/2 back
• If you have more than 2 silk plants, remove the rest
• Use baskets to hold magazines, toys or books
• If you have small rugs everywhere, remove them; Use only 1 large area rug
• Don't crowd your tabletops, cabinets, pianos, etc with too many accessories

It always amazes me when I enter a "Staged" home how peaceful and calm it feels. They have removed all of the "extra" stuff that we collect throughout our lives. A room that has been staged properly feels clean and inviting. You can also have this feeling in the home you LIVE in! Of course, you will want to keep some of your personal items displayed, as that is what gives your home personality. But perphaps, you have just let it get out of control and it's time to do some much needed editing.

It will be easier to vacuum when there isn't so much furniture to manuever around. Dusting will be a breeze when there are only a few items to lift. Everything has it's place in baskets so the room can be straightened quickly. With items out of sight, the room will feel neat and clean. And most importantly, the visual affect of "less stuff" will give you a calmer feeling. The term LESS IS MORE, really is true. Try it out on 1 room and Feel the Difference!

Sausage Balls-

This is the easiest recipe I have ever tried. I used it several times throughout the Holiday Season. I had never tried it before, but plan to use it all the time. It's great for any morning of the week!

• 3 cups Bisquick
• 1 lb Sausage (uncooked) Mild, Hot, whatever you like
• 3 cups shredded SHARP cheddar cheese

Mix all ingredients together. You will have to use your hands. Make small balls about 1" in diamager. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Make the night before and have them ready to bake. Put them in the oven, then jump in the shower! If that isn't quick & easy, I don't know what is. Plus, they are delicious and filling. ENJOY!!

Call us today to schedule a speaking engagement for your group or club.. NO GROUP IS TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL. We have several topics to choose from.

This Charming 2/2 log cabin has all wood interior, gas logs, metal roof, in a GREAT log home community. It sits on 1.17+/- acres. Decorated by an interior decorator, this home has everything you need to move right in! This is a Must See!!

For more information, click on the photo above.